How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset worth having, typically carrying expensive tools and equipment. It is important to ensure that your van is as secure as you can. There are a myriad of ways you can do this.
Slamlocks lock doors right after you shut them. This is useful for couriers who have short drop-offs, or are prone forgetting to lock their van. Other improvements include security stickers covering windows, tinting or covering them and installing a lockable tool vault.
Security locks
With so many vans being used as a method of transportation and storage units that can be moved around it is crucial to safeguard their contents from theft. The proper security measures for your van will deter criminals while also protecting your belongings. This will allow you to travel with confidence.
Door locks are the initial line of defense, protecting the doors of your van and preventing access by unauthorized persons. Standard locks, which are usually installed by the manufacturer, offer a basic level of protection but can be easily bypassed by a determined thief. Upgrade to advanced security locks that are resistant to cutting or drilling. This is a good investment in security that will give you peace of mind.
When selecting a vanlock, you should consider the quality of the material, its construction and whether it is Thatcham-approved. This means that the lock is of top quality, making it more difficult to compromise or break. van security locks is a further aspect to consider. It automatically locks the doors of the loading area when it is closed and requires a specific key to unlock. This is perfect for couriers that may forget to lock up their vans during deliveries. The hook lock is another option that can be used to secure the front and side doors to guard against 'peel and steal' attacks.
It is important to regularly clean and lubricate your van locks to ensure their function and the strength of the mechanism. This will prevent corrosion and rust, and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections let you identify any signs of damage or wear and address them promptly, preventing security vulnerabilities from emerging.
Installing the best security system can help you save money on van insurance. Many insurers offer favourable terms for the purchase of robust security solutions.
Slamlocks
The strengthening of your van's lock is one of the most effective methods to ward off robbers. By installing high-strength or slam locks the doors of your van will be more secure and less difficult to break into. This is especially crucial if your vehicle is used for transporting expensive cargo or tools.
The slamlock is activated automatically when your door is shut. You don't have to press any keys to activate the mechanism. This means it's less likely to be stolen and is ideal for couriers or tradespeople who are in and out of their van throughout the day long and might not remember to lock it after each trip. It also helps to combat opportunistic thieves who simply open the lock on your vehicle and steal whatever they can get, which includes the tools you require for your work.
There are a number of different kinds of slam locks that come with extra security features, such as anti-drill technology and anti-pick technology, or a steel plate that blocks drilling attacks. Certain models are specifically designed for applications, such as those used by multidrop drivers and those who transport a lot of valuable items.
For those who want more security than a standard lock that slams can provide, there are options like deadlocks. These operate independently from the manufacturer's original locking mechanism and can only be removed by a key supplied under full control of the driver. Alternately, you can buy hook locks that works exactly the same way, however, it provides extra security with a deadlocking hook bolt that is inserted into the opposite body section and is operated using the key supplied under complete control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
If you're looking to make your vehicle more secure and safe, consider adding a dash camera. These cameras can help you avoid accidents and collisions when driving, and can also help in showing your innocence in the event of a traffic violation. They convert incoming light into electrical signals, and then they convert these signals into digital data. These can be powered either by the battery of your vehicle or the cigarette lighter.
A majority of the dashboard cameras available on the market include SD cards or flash drives to save recordings. These devices can overwrite old footage in order to make room for new recordings. However, they can be upgraded to accommodate larger memory cards if additional video data is needed. Some dashboard cams also have cloud storage capabilities, which remove the requirement for memory cards. These types of dashboard cams connect to the Wi-Fi or smartphone network and upload their data at various intervals.
Hard-wired or wireless cameras are also important to consider. Hardwired models are less vulnerable to interference from cellular networks or other sources. They are also more durable and some are able to stand up to the elements.
Some vans have dual dash cams, which can record video from both the front and rear of the vehicle. This is useful when reversing in tight spaces, or while in a parking spot. Some cameras come with night vision, which is able to brighten images in low-light conditions and enhance visibility for the driver. Many van owners choose to add this feature to their systems. Some dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored. This can be an enormous benefit for van dwellers that spend long periods of time away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming more popular among those who enjoy exploring and travelling However, it is not without dangers. People who live in their vehicles are often at the mercy of thieves who might target their vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems are one of the best ways to secure your van and its contents. These alarm systems can be linked to your keypad so that you will be alerted in the event of a break-in. They also help reduce insurance costs, which could save you money over the lifetime of your vehicle.
A good alarm system comes with keys, a base and entry sensors to protect against door peal. Some alarms even have an inbuilt motion sensor that will detect any movement in your vehicle and alert your mobile. This can be a powerful deterrent for anyone who might be a target and can help you spot the criminal before they do.
Adding deadlocks to all of your doors is an excellent way to ensure your van is secure. These locks require keys and are more difficult to control than conventional locks. There are locks that you can operate via a smartphone application. This will allow you to check on your vehicle even when you're away.
Many van alarms also include an engine immobilizer which disables your vehicle's motor if you use the wrong key to start it. This is a great precaution to consider, but it will not stop a thief determined to removing the whole engine. It is better to utilize a low-power tracker which will stop the engine from starting and will notify you of the position of your vehicle once it is moved.
Insurance
Vans are a vital resource for many businesses and securing their contents is of paramount importance. Not only can a strong van security system give peace of mind, but it can also lower insurance costs since insurance companies take the security measures of van owners into consideration when calculating premiums.
Your driving record, as well as the make, model and year of your vehicle will also affect the rate of insurance you pay. The location in which you live and work can affect your rates too, as higher crime rates can result in higher rates. Insurance companies also take your van's use into consideration as commercial vehicles are generally more expensive to insure than personal vehicles.
If you're thinking of making major changes to your van it is important to speak with your insurance company prior to doing so as it could have an impact on the policy price. Also, adding any accessories to your vehicle that aren't included in the standard can increase the cost of your premium. For instance, a Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a great method to deter thieves because it can make them think twice about attempting to break into your vehicle.
Insurance is another essential part of life in a van. It protects the tools and equipment that you store inside your van in the event they are stolen. You can buy complete physical damage insurance and roadside service plans that cover breakdowns as well as other emergencies.
It's important to be aware that the cheapest insurance policy isn't always the best. Compare the limits of coverage, deductibles and other added benefits to determine the most suitable policy for your requirements. It is worth looking into gap insurance in addition to comprehensive insurance. It will pay the difference between the value of the van's cash and any outstanding amount on your loan if your van is totalled.